Hon. Desmond Stephen, a well-known philanthropist and grassroots politician from Okrika, has officially announced his departure from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to join the Action Democratic Party (ADP). This significant political shift was confirmed through a resignation letter dated May 25, 2026, where Stephen expressed his gratitude to the NDC for the experiences and opportunities he gained during his tenure.

In his resignation, Stephen emphasized that his decision was made after considerable reflection and aligns with his commitment to serve the people of Okrika with renewed energy and a clear purpose. He is now positioned as the ADP’s candidate for the Okrika Constituency in the upcoming Rivers State House of Assembly elections.

Stephen is widely recognized for his extensive community outreach efforts, youth empowerment initiatives, and advocacy for local development. He believes that the ADP’s platform is more in tune with his vision for enhancing education, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic opportunities within Okrika. His supporters have lauded this move, describing it as a bold step towards achieving more responsive and people-centered representation.

In a conversation with Vanguard, Stephen highlighted that his decision was motivated by a desire to provide better representation for his constituents. He stated, "the decision was born out of my desire to give a good representation to my people." This statement reflects his commitment to prioritizing the needs and aspirations of the Okrika community as he embarks on this new political journey.

The political landscape in Rivers State is expected to witness heightened activity as candidates prepare for the upcoming elections, and Stephen's transition to the ADP is likely to influence the dynamics within the constituency. His supporters are eager to see how his grassroots approach and dedication to local issues will resonate with voters in the lead-up to the elections.